Yazarlar

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Synthesis, Characterization, Investigation of Anticancer Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of N2O2 Type Schiff Base Ligand and Metal Complexes

    Türkmenoğlu, Mustafa; Yıldırım, Sümeyra Tuna; Altay, Ahmet; Türkmenoğlu, Burçin

    Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes play a great important role in pharmaceutical sciences because of their wide and significant activities. They are versatile pharmacophores for the design and discovery of many drugs. In this study, a Schiff base ligand and its complexes were synthesized. Some spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis were used for structural characterization. Antiproliferative activities of the synthesized ligand and complexes were investigated on the human breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines by XTT [2,3-Bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] method. The obtained data showed that the ligand and complexes exhibited dose-dependent and cell-selective in vitro antiproliferative activity on the tested cell line. In addition, it was determined that complexes showed statistically higher cytotoxic activity compared to the ligand. The binding parameter values and the important amino acids in the binding site were determined between the possible lead compounds synthesized by molecular docking from in silico approaches and the target. A molecular docking study of the cobalt complex was performed against Bcl-2 (PDB ID:4IEH) and DNA recognition (PDB ID:423D) targets. In conclusion, these data show that the synthesized Schiff base ligand and metal complexes have the potential to be evaluated as a chemotherapeutic agent.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Preparation and evaluation of fast-dissolving albendazole sulfoxide and praziquantel-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofiber films by electrospinning

    Gültekin, Yakup; Korkmaz, Çağla; Öztürk, Naile; Filazi, Ayhan; Deniz, Ahmet; Doğan, Osman; Pezik, Esra; Barin, Gözde; Vural, İmran

    Albendazole sulfoxide (ALBSOX) and Praziquantel (PRZ) are broad-spectrum anthelmintic medications used in the treatment of both humans and animals that are challenging to manufacture for geriatric and pediatric populations and have poor oral bioavailability due to their low water solubility and high lipophilicity. To increase the solubility and bioavailability of the drugs, ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded nanofiber films were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP), a non-toxic, inert polymer with high hydrophilic characteristics. SEM analysis of the produced ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded PVP nanofiber films revealed them to be uniform and smooth, with good uniformity and mechanical properties. The PVP nanofiber films of ALBSOX and PRZ disintegrated in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) in less than 1 s and increased the solubility of ALBSOX and PRZ about five times compared to pure active ingredients. Furthermore, the prepared ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded PVP nanofiber films were found to have no cytotoxic effect in cell viability studies using L929 cells, and increased the protoscolicidal effect of the ALBSOX and PRZ combination approximately 2-fold in studies of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. The findings of the present study reveal that the developed PVP nanofiber films have the potential to improve the dissolution profile and pharmacological efficacy of the ALBSOX and PRZ.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    The Mediating Effect of Social Anxiety on the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Aggression in Teenagers

    Çınar Özbay, Sevil; Kanbay, Yalçın; Firat, Meryem; Özbay, Özkan

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of “internet addiction level” on “aggression level” among teenagers and to examine the mediating role of “social anxiety level” on this effect. The study participants consisted of 958 students attending private teaching institutions for university preparation in Turkey. Data was collected from voluntary participants through data collection forms delivered to the management of these institutions. “Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire Form”, “Young’s Internet Addiction Test”, “Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire” and “Social Anxiety Scale” were used as data collection tools. A regression analysis based on the bootstrap method was implemented to test whether “social anxiety level” had a mediating role on the influence of students’ “internet addiction level” on “aggression level”. According to the findings, it was determined that the indirect effect of “internet addiction” on “aggression” was significant, and therefore, “social anxiety level” mediated the relationship between “internet addiction” and “aggression".

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Pathogenesis-directed therapy of methylphenidate-induced oxidative heart damage in rats

    Emir, Izzet; Bulut, Seval; Suleyman, Bahadır; Mammadov, Renad; Yucel, Nurinisa; Cicek, Betul; Yazici, Gulce Naz; Altuner, Durdu; Gunay, Murat; Suleyman, Halis

    Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), metyrosine, and melatonin on possible methylphenidate cardiotoxicity in rats using biochemical and histopathological methods. Methods: Thirty rats were separated into five groups: healthy (HG), methylphenidate (MP), ATP + methylphenidate (ATMP), metyrosine + methylphenidate (MSMP), and melatonin + methylphenidate (MLMP). ATP (5 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally once daily, metyrosine (50 mg/kg) orally twice daily, and melatonin (10 mg/kg) orally once daily. Methylphenidate (10 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 1 h after ATP, metyrosine and melatonin. The protocol was repeated for 30 days. Subsequently, blood samples were taken from the tail veins of the animals to measure adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, troponin I (TP I) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) levels; the animals were then euthanized and the heart tissues were extracted. Tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and histopathologically. Results: In MP group, MDA, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, TP I, and CK-MB levels increased (p < 0.001) and tGSH, SOD, and CAT levels decreased (p < 0.001) compared to HG, and histopathologic damage developed. Oxidant levels were lower and antioxidant levels were higher in ATMP, MSMP, and MLMP groups compared to MP group (p < 0.001). Catecholamine levels were measured lower in the MSMP group compared to the MP group (p < 0.001). TP I and CK-MB levels were lower in ATMP, MSMP and MLMP groups compared to MP (p < 0.05), with the lowest being in rats given ATP (p < 0.001). ATP, melatonin, and metirozin applications were effective to different degrees in preventing histopathological changes. Conclusion: This study may guide clinical trials using ATP and melatonin to prevent methylphenidate-induced myocardial injury.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Deep learning approach to the discovery of novel bisbenzazole derivatives for antimicrobial effect

    Barcin, Tunga; Yucel, Mehmet Ali; Ersan, Ronak Haj; Alagoz, Mehmet Abdullah; Dogen, Aylin; Burmaoglu, Serdar; Algul, Oztekin

    Because of the growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the discovery of new antibiotics is critical. The search for new antimicrobial drugs that are effective in treating new and existing microbial diseases is arduous and time-consuming. Deep learning (DL) can help find potential candidates resulting in a more efficient, and cost-effective, and it is more useful on large datasets than other algorithms. Our research team focused on developing an effective DL workflow for discovering new antimicrobial agents. Our group has previously synthesized and tested bisbenzazole structures with various linkers for a variety of pharmacological activities. Antimicrobial activities of bisbenzazole compounds have been also reported in the literature. Deep Neural Networks (DNN) were used to predict the activity of all bisbenzazole compounds synthesized by our group against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. DNN successfully predicted compounds 16, 17, and 30 out of six molecules (11, 16, 17, 29, 30, and 33) with activity results of 31.25 μg /mL or better results based on in vitro studies. Compounds 13 and 15 out of four molecules (13, 15, 29, and 30) for C. albicans were successfully predicted. Molecular modeling studies were also carried out, and the compounds' docking scores agreed with the DNN models and in vitro antimicrobial activity results. Finally, this workflow, which includes deep learning, molecular docking, and in vitro studies, is a dependable and efficient way of discovering new antimicrobial agents for S. aureus and C. albicans.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Comparison of MicroRNA Levels of 18−60-month-old Autistic Children with Those of Their Siblings and Controls

    Karagöz, Hülya; Akça, Ömer Faruk; Yıldırım, Mahmut Selman; Zamani, Ayşe Gül; Oflaz, Mehmet Burhan

    Objective: The present study aims to compare the levels of 7 microRNAs (mi-RNAs) (mi-RNA-125b, mi-RNA-23a-3p, mi-RNA-146a-5p, mi-RNA-106a, mi-RNA-151a-3p, mi-RNA-28, mi-RNA-125a) in the blood of the preschool children with autism and those of their siblings with healthy controls, and to investigate the association between these mi-RNAs and the severity of autism, behavioral problems, and siblings’ autistic traits. Methods: A total of 35 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the ages of 18−60 months (patient group), 35 non-affected siblings of the ASD group (sibling group), and 30 control subjects (control group) were involved in the study. The severity of ASD was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The behavioral problems of the children with ASD were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, and the autistic traits of the siblings were assessed using the Autism spectrum screening scale for children. Results: mi-RNA-106a-5p, mi-RNA-151a-3p, and mi-RNA-28-3p were found to be expressed significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between mi-RNA-23a and the sensory subscale of the ABC. mi-RNA-151a was significantly associated with sound sensitivity and mi-RNA-28 with echolalia. After controlling for age and sex, the differences between groups were disappeared. Conclusion: The present study examined mi-RNAs that have been reported as biomarkers in the literature. Although several symptom clusters are found to be related to certain mi-RNA expression levels, they were not found to be significant in discriminating the patient and healthy groups.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Enhanced anticancer effect of newly synthesised albumin-bound Fe(III)-S-Methyl-thiosemicarbazones on breast cancer cells

    Danışman-Kalındemirtaş, Ferdane; Erdem-Kuruca, Serap; Cilasun, Gökçe Erdemir; Sert, Esra; Özerkan, Dilşad; Demirci, Tülay Bal; Ülküseven, Bahri; Kariper, İshak Afşin

    Thiosemicarbazones and their analogues are of significant interest due to their antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer properties. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-based therapeutics have enabled targeted cancer cell treatment while minimizing harm to healthy cells. This study focused on encapsulating patented N(1)-R1-salicylidene-N(4)-R2-salicylidene-S-methylisothiosemicarbazone complexes into albumin nanocarriers, creating albumin-bound Fe(III)-S-methyl-thiosemicarbazone (ALB-FeTc) nanoparticles via a novel UV-C lamp-assisted method. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis, DLS and EDX-SEM. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HUVEC cells using an MTT assay. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the mechanism of cell death. The study demonstrated strong cytotoxicity of FeTcs against cancer cells, with enhanced effects observed for ALB-FeTcs. The ALB-FeTcs induced apoptosis selectively in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. These results suggest that ALB-FeTcs are promising candidates for breast cancer treatment.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Effects of adenosine triphosphate, Lacidipine, and Benidipine on 5-fluorouracil-induced kidney damage in rats

    Dagel, Tuncay; Altuner, D.; Suleyman, B.; Mammadov, R.; Bulut, S.; Bal Tastan, T.; Gulaboglu, M.; Suleyman, H.

    OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the protective effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Benidipine, and Lacidipine on potential kidney damage induced by 5-fluoro-uracil (5-FU) were investigated in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 48 rats were divided into 8 groups: healthy (HG), 5-FU (FUG), ATP+5-FU (AFU), Benidipine+5-FU (BFU), Lacidipine+5-FU (LFU), ATP+Benidipine+5-FU (ABFU), ATP+Lacidipine+5-FU (ALFU) and Benidipine+Lacidipine+5-FU (BLFU). In a 10-day period, ATP (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and Benidipine (4 mg/kg) and Lacidipine (4 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day. On days 1, 3, and 5, 5-FU (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally one hour after the drug was administered. Afterward, the rats were euthanized, and kidney tissues were removed. An analysis of malondialdehyde, total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase was performed on tissues, as well as a histopathological examination. A creatinine and blood urea nitrogen analysis were performed on blood samples. RESULTS: It was revealed that 5-FU decreased the amount of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in rat kidney tissues and increased malondialdehyde. Further, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, as well as histopathological examination of kidney tissues, were found in the 5-FU group. ATP+Benidipine and ATP treatments were the most effective in preventing both biochemical and histopathological changes induced by 5-FU. A treatment with Benidipine improved biochemical and histopathologic data, but not to the same extent as a treatment with ATP+Benidipine and ATP. As a result of Lacidipine+ATP combination, 5-FU-induced biochemical changes in kidney tissue were partially inhibited, but the degree of histopathologic damage remained unchanged. Neither Benidipine+Lacidipine nor Lacidipine showed a protective effect on both biochemical changes and histopathologic damage. CONCLUSIONS: It may be possible to prevent nephrotoxicity by adding ATP + Benidipine or ATP to 5-FU treatment.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Assessing the Antiangiogenic Effects of Chalcones and Their Derivatives

    Burmaoglu, Serdar; Gobek, Arzu; Anil, Derya Aktas; Alagoz, Mehmet Abdullah; Guner, Adem; Güler, Cem; Hepokur, Ceylan; Karabay Yavasoglu, N. Ulku; Algul, Oztekin

    Pathological angiogenesis plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and anti-angiogenesis therapies have evinced promising antitumor effects in solid tumors. Chalcone skeleton has been regarded as a potential antitumor agent that also targets angiogenesis. In this study, we designed twenty-one non-fluoro-substituted chalcones (13–18, 24–27) and saturated chalcone derivatives (19–23, 28–33) as anti-angiogenic compounds. During the initial stage, these compounds were assessed for their anti-cancer activities against MCF-7 cancer cell lines according to the MTT assay. The compounds revealed satisfactory anti-proliferative capability. An ex vivo fertilized hens’ egg-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) angiogenic study was conducted for the compounds to gauge their mortality and toxicity, which, in turn, revealed a potent anti-angiogenic effect. Eight compounds (16, 17, 21, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 31) significantly reduced densities of capillaries on CAM, whereas compounds 27 and 29 were the most effective anti-angiogenic agents, when compared with Suramin. Moreover, RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that the anti-angiogenic activity was associated with the fold changes of VEGFR2. Molecular docking studies were conducted for compounds to investigate their mode of interaction within the binding site of VEGFR-2 kinases. This work provided a basis for further design, structural modification, and development of chalcone derivatives as new anti-angiogenic agents.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Normative measurements of orbital structures on magnetic resonance images; a cross-sectional study with mini review of the literature

    Kızılgöz, Volkan; Aydın, Sonay; Aydemir, Hüseyin; Kantarcı, Mecit

    Purpose: Awareness of normative values of extra orbital structures would provide useful information to interpret the radiological images better and use them for diagnostic purposes. This study aimed to reveal the average values of major extraocular structures measured on magnetic resonance images. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, magnetic resonance (MR) images of 256 orbits of 128 patients were re-interpreted regarding the measurements of major orbital structures. Extraocular muscles, superior ophthalmic vein, and optic nerve-sheath complex were measured on orbital MR images of these patients. The data distributions were presented by box-plot analyses for each parameter, and the measurement results were analyzed regarding gender and age groups. Results: Lateral rectus muscle thickness (LR), inferior rectus muscle thickness (IR), globe position (GP), and interzygomatic line (IZL) values were higher in the male group than in the female group (p values were < 0.001, 0.003, 0.020, and < 0.001 respectively). LR, the thickness of the superior group muscles (SUP GR), IR, superior oblique muscle thickness (SOBL), and the thickness of optic nerve-sheath complex (ON) values indicated a significant relationship between age groups. There was a significant, positive, and low-level correlation between age and LR, SUP GR, and IR values (p values were < 0.001, 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study provides quantitative data on normative values of orbital structures with gender and age group comparisons. Clinicians or surgeons can easily use the measured values to gather diagnostic information from the orbital region.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    No-anesthesia for Colles fracture

    Issin, Ahmet; Yurten, Hakan; Özcan, Seçkin

    Background: This study aims to measure the perceived pain during the reduction of Colles fracture without anesthesia in both children and adults. It describes the process and reveals duration for reduction, total hospital stays and compares them with the same procedure under hematoma block. Methods: We employed the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale to assess pain reduction in 135 adults and 98 pediatric patients undergoing Colles fracture reduction with or without hematoma block. We also measured the time required for the reduction and the overall process. Results: For fracture reduction without anesthesia, Wong-Baker FACES scores were 9.2 for children and 8.7 for adults. With hematoma block, scores dropped to 7.5 for children and 5.2 for adults with only a 10 min addition to the hospital stay. Pain scores among pediatric patients exhibited moderate to strong negative correlations with age. The reduction maneuver itself took an average of 5 s. Conclusions: The reduction of a Colles fracture is nearly instantaneous, making the reduction without anesthesia tolerable. Pediatric patients don't benefit from hematoma block as much as adult counterparts. It significantly reduced pain scores by 1.7 points in children and 3.5 points in adults. Level of evidence: Level I, Randomized Controlled Trial.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    The effect of intrauterine insemination preceding frozen-thawed elective single embryo transfer in couples with unexplained subfertility

    Oner, Gokalp; Ciftci, Banu; Turktekin, Nurettin; Tas, Mustafa; Ulug, Pasa; Kumtepe, Yakup

    Introduction: This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of intrauterine insemination (IUI) before frozen-thawed elective single embryo transfer (FT-eSET). Material and methods: A total of 200 couples with unexplained subfertility underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to either FT-eSET or IUI preceding FT-eSET. Both groups were composed of 100 women. IUI was timed 6 days before FT-eSET in the IUI preceding FT-eSET group. Implantation rates (IR), biochemical and clinical abortion rates (AR), clinical pregnancy rates (PR), ongoing pregnancy rates (PRs), and live birth rates were measured in this study. Results: The IUI preceding FT-eSET group was associated with higher rates of clinical pregnancy, 54% vs. 42%, but not significantly. Similarly, IR, PR and live birth rate were higher in the IUI preceding FT-eSET group but not significantly. In the IUI preceding FT-eSET group, the biochemical and clinical abortion rates were lower than in the control group (9.5% vs. 14.2% and 5.5% vs. 5.2%, respectively). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups, either. Conclusions: This is the first study showing that IUI may precede FT-eSET to improve PR in couples with unexplained subfertility. Also, performing IUI before FT-eSET may decrease biochemical and clinical abortion rates.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Turkish Real Life Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice: TRAFFIC Study

    Karabay, Can Yücel; Taşolar, Hakan; Kunak, Ayşegül Ülgen; Çap, Murat; Astarcıoğlu, Mehmet Ali; Şen, Taner; Kaplan, Mehmet; Coşgun, Muharrem Said; Ağca, Fahriye Vatansever; Arslan, Uğur

    Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, impaired quality of life, and mortality. The latest research that shows the prevalence and incidence of AF patients in Türkiye was the Turkish Adults’ Heart Disease and Risk Factors study, which included 3,450 patients and collected data until 2006/07.The Turkish Real Life Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice (TRAFFIC) study is planned to present current prevalence data, reveal the reflection of new treatment and risk approaches in our country, and develop new prediction models in terms of outcomes. Methods: The TRAFFIC study is a national, prospective, multicenter, observational registry. The study aims to collect data from at least 1900 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, with the participation of 40 centers from Türkiye. The following data will be collected from patients: baseline demographic characteristics, medical history, vital signs, symptoms of AF, ECG and echocardiographic findings, CHADS2-VASC2 and HAS-BLED (1-year risk of major bleeding) risk scores, interventional treatments, antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic medications, or other medications used by the patients. For patients who use warfarin, international normalized ratio levels will be monitored. Follow-up data will be collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Primary endpoints are defined as systemic embolism or major safety endpoints (major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and minor bleeding as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis). The main secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiovascular events (systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death), all-cause mortality, and hospitalizations due to all causes or specific reasons. Results: The results of the 12-month follow-up of the study are planned to be shared by the end of 2023. Conclusion: The TRAFFIC study will reveal the prevalence and incidence, demographic characteristics, and risk profiles of AF patients in Türkiye. Additionally, it will provide insights into how current treatments are reflected in this population. Furthermore, risk prediction modeling and risk scoring can be conducted for patients with AF.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Nutritional Status, Dietary Patterns, and Prealbumin as Prognostic Factors in Stroke: An Observational Study

    Koç, Alparslan; Ersoy, Alevtina

    Introduction: Prealbumin is a protein synthesized by the choroid plexus and liver, playing integral roles in the transport of thyroxine and retinol. Its serum levels are known to decrease in response to conditions such as inflammation, protein deficiency, end-stage liver disease, and malignancy. Notably, decreased serum prealbumin levels have been negatively correlated with the severity of stroke. Given this context, understanding factors that predict functional outcomes and mortality in stroke patients is crucial, particularly the potential role of nutritional status and prealbumin levels. Methods: This study targeted a patient population aged 18 to 100 years who were treated for stroke. We systematically recorded levels of prealbumin, albumin, hemoglobin, and the BUN/Cre ratio at three time intervals: on admission, the 5th day, and the 9th day post-admission. In addition, we assessed the severity and functional outcomes using the NIHSS and mRS scores at admission, the 9th day, and upon discharge. Other recorded parameters included Body Mass Index (BMI), daily caloric requirements, NRS-2002 nutritional risk screening scores, chronic disease presence, length of hospital stay, history of infarction, TOAST classification, and dietary patterns. Our study included a total of 57 patients. Results: Our findings indicate that there was no significant difference in age between nonsurviving and surviving stroke patients, although deceased patients tended to be older. Notably, prealbumin and albumin levels were significantly higher in surviving patients (p < 0.05). The BUN/Cre ratio showed no difference between the groups at the time of admission, but its values on the 5th and 9th days were significantly elevated in nonsurvivors (p < 0.01). Furthermore, our analysis revealed that an increase in prealbumin and albumin levels positively influenced patient outcomes. Conversely, higher BUN/Cre ratios and NIHSS scores were associated with poor outcomes, with these differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study established a clear association between prealbumin and albumin levels, the BUN/Cre ratio, NIHSS and mRS scores, and overall nutritional status with the functional outcomes and mortality rates in stroke patients. Our results underscore the importance of closely monitoring nutritional status and these specific biochemical markers as part of the comprehensive management of stroke patients to potentially improve their outcomes.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Stress Scale for Nurses Providing End-of-Life Care for Children

    Ayran, Gülsün; Çevik Özdemir, Hamide Nur

    Objectives This study was carried out to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Stress Scale for Pediatric Nurses Performing End-of-Life Care for Children in Turkey. Methods This was a methodological study conducted with 222 pediatric nurses. Data were collected using the information form for pediatric nurses and the stress scale for nurses performing end-of-life care for children. Content and construct validity, item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency were used to evaluate the data. The Global Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Summit checklist was followed in this study. Results The content validity index of the scale was 0.93. Item-total score correlation values ranged from 0.594 to 0.885. The 5-factor structure of the scale was confirmed as a result of confirmatory factor analysis. Factor loads were greater than 0.30, and fit indices were greater than 0.80. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Turkish version of the scale was 0.97. Significance of results The stress scale for nurses performing end-of-life care for children is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish sample. This scale facilitates the assessment of the stress levels of pediatric nurses who provide end-of-life care to children. Also, this scale can be used in interventional studies to improve the well-being of pediatric nurses.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Human Demodex mites (Acari: Demodicidae) as a possible etiological factor in Rosacea: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

    Zeytun, Erhan; Yazici, Mustafa

    This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of Demodex mites in patients with rosacea, and to investigate their potential contribution to the aetiology of rosacea. The study included 82 patients (44 with papulopustular rosacea and 38 with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) diagnosed with rosacea by clinical examination and 82 healthy controls without dermatologic disease. Samples were obtained from each participant from the cheek, nasolabial, and chin regions using standardised skin surface biopsy (SSSB). Samples were examined under a light microscope, and Demodex species were identified and counted. Demodex positivity (≥5 mites) was detected in 91% of patients and 20% of controls in the study (p< 0.01). Only D. folliculorum (total 1328, mean 44.27/cm2) was detected in 37% of patients and D. folliculorum + D. brevis coinfection (total 6071, mean 134.91/cm2) in 55% of patients. Only D. folliculorum (total 97, mean 6.06/cm2) was detected in 20% of healthy controls, while D. folliculorum + D. brevis co-infection was not detected. The study showed that Demodex burden in patients with rosacea was approximately 30 times higher than in healthy controls and was caused by coinfection of D. folliculorum and D. brevis (mean Demodex burden: 179.18/cm2 in patients, 6.06/ cm2 in healthy controls). It was concluded that Demodex infestation, especially co-infection with D. folliculorum and D. brevis, may be a potential factor in the aetiology of rosacea that should not be ignored in the clinic, and that it may be appropriate to initiate antiparasitic treatment when the parasite is detected.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Effects of mask use on cardiopulmonary functions and coronaphobia in the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study among university students

    Ustundag, Hilal; Akbaba, Özge; Huyut, Mehmet

    Mask use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been widely recommended and mandated worldwide. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the potential adverse health effects of mask usage. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the negative effects of surgical mask use on scientifically proven cardiopulmonary functions in undergraduate and associate degree students, as well as its impact on coronaphobia. A total of 145 volunteer university students (49 males, 96 females, with a mean age of 20 years) were enrolled in the study, which consisted of two 120-minute sessions. Blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure were assessed before and immediately after each session. The Coronavirus-19 Phobia Scale was utilized to measure levels of COVID-19 phobia. While a time-dependent decrease in oxygen saturation level, blood pressure, and heart rate was measured when vital signs were evaluated at 1 and 120 minutes, none of the values fell outside the reference range. The study also investigated the effects of mask use on various symptoms including headaches, visual impairment, facial discomfort, earaches, shortness of breath, and anxiety. Significantly increased occurrences of all these symptoms were observed at the 60 th and 120 th minute compared with the baseline. The participants enrolled in the study demonstrated a moderate level of COVID-19 phobia based on the mean total score. Furthermore, high scores were recorded in the psychological and social sub-dimensions, while lower scores were recorded in the economic and psychosomatic sub-dimensions. In the post-COVID-19 normalization phase, the use of a surgical mask during a 120-minute course was found to have no significant impact on cardiopulmonary functions, but moderately affected coronaphobia scores.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Experimental and numerical investigation of the stenosed coronary artery taken from the clinical setting and modeled in terms of hemodynamics

    Sonmez, Fatin; Karagoz, Sendogan; Yildirim, Orhan; Firat, Ilker

    The study was carried out to investigate the effect of the artery with different pulse values and stenosis rates on the pressure drop, the peristaltic pump outlet pressure, fractional flow reserve (FFR) and most importantly the amount of power consumed by the peristaltic pump. For this purpose, images taken from the clinical environment were produced as models (10 mm inlet diameter) with 0% and 70% percent areal stenosis rates (PSR) on a three-dimensional (3D) printer. In the experimental system, pure water was used as the fluid at 54, 84, 114, 132, and 168 bpm pulse values. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyzes of the test region were performed using experimental boundary conditions with the help of ANSYS-Fluent software. The findings showed that as PSR increases in the arteries, the pressure drop in the stenosis region increases and this amount increases dramatically with increasing effort. An increase of approximately 40% was observed in the pump outlet pressure value from 54 bpm to 168 bpm in the PSR 0% model and 51% increase in the PSR 70% model. It has been observed that the pump does more work to overcome the increased pressure difference due to increased pulse rate and PSR. With the effect of contraction, the power consumption of the pump increased from 9.2% for 54 bpm to 13.8% for 168 bpm. In both models, the Wall Shear Stress (WSS) increased significantly. WSS increased abruptly in the stenosis and arcuate regions, while sudden decreases were observed in the flow separation region.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Hispidulin exerts a protective effect against oleic acid induced-ARDS in the rat via inhibition of ACE activity and MAPK pathway

    Koc, Kubra; Ozek, Nihal Simsek; Aysin, Ferhunde; Demir, Ozlem; Yilmaz, Asli; Yilmaz, Mehmet; Geyikoglu, Fatime; Erol, Huseyin Serkan

    This study investigates the protective role of Hispidulin on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in rats. Rats were divided into three groups: control, ARDS, ARDS+ Hispidulin. The ARDS models were established by injecting rats with oleic acid. Hispidulin (100 mg/kg) was injected i.p. an hour before ARDS. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), Lipid Peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), and Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were determined by ELISA. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression was described by RT-qPCR. Caspase-3 immunostaining was performed to evaluate apoptosis. Compared with the model group, a significant decrease was observed in the MPO, IL-8, MAPK, ACE, LPO levels, and TNF-α expression in the ARDS+ Hispidulin group. Moreover, reduced caspase-3 immunoreactivity and activity of ACE were detected in the Hispidulin+ARDS group. The protective effect of Hispidulin treatment may act through inhibition of the ACE activity and then regulation of inflammatory cytokine level and alteration of apoptosis.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Detection of Right Ventricular Dysfunction Using LogNNet Neural Network Model Based on Pulmonary Embolism Data Set

    Huyut, Mehmet Tahir; Velichko, Andrei; Belyaev, Maksim; Karaoğlanoğlu, Şebnem; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Demir, Abdussamed Yasin

    The high association of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) with mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains an important health problem. In this respect, rapid, economical and highly-accurate detection of risk factors for early diagnosis of RVD in patients with PE is expected to greatly benefit the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and contribute significantly to the reduction of mortality. The aim of this study is to identify the most effective features from the PE dataset for RVD diagnosis, using a special-algorithm for the LogNNet reservoir neural-network. The cohort of patients diagnosed with acute PE in the last five years in our hospital was retrospectively analyzed and the data in accordance with our criteria were recorded. A total of 163 patients' data were acces sed and the patients had 20 characteristics. RVD was diagnosed in 27 of these patients. 78-79 years of age was found to be an important threshold for the diagnosis of RVD. The LogNNet model revealed that older age, comorbidities and coronary-heart disease greatly increased the risk of RVD. The model also found that individuals with diabetes and COPD were at higher risk of RVD, while individuals with malignancies were at lower risk of RVD. However, the model found that unilateral-thrombus increased the risk of RVD more than bilateral-thrombus. The risk of RVD is high in PE patients with unilateral-thrombus. In addition, PE patients with comorbidities such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and COPD are at high-risk for RVD and should be followed closely.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam